How do I find a bot on my macbook?

Question

Level 1

9 points

How do I find a bot on my macbook?

When I open Finder, under shared I see the other PC on my network and another icon that is called "owner" that has a number associated with it. This icon popped up about 6 months ago or so and I can't get rid of it or get info on it. This icon, and the fact that Comcast keeps sending me security warning emails stating that one of the devices on my system may have a spy bot, has me concerned. Does anyone else have any information on this issue? I'm running Trend Micro's Smart Surfing for Mac that has found nothing. Thanks in advance for any help!

Posted on Mar 31, 2012 1:02 PM

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Answer 1

John Galt

Level 10

155,828 points

Mar 31, 2012 1:15 PM in response to bootsmedrn

Click here - do not buy anything, do not enter any information, and do not click on any advertisements:

http://botnetchecker.com/

It should result in this:

... I'm running Trend Micro's Smart Surfing for Mac that has found nothing.

Nor will it, ever. It can only cost you time, money, and aggravation. Get rid of it.

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Answer 2

bootsmedrn Author

Level 1

9 points

Mar 31, 2012 1:35 PM in response to John Galt

So, I guess I don't have a bot on the Mac, but is this icon in Finder normal?

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

155,828 points

Mar 31, 2012 1:47 PM in response to bootsmedrn

I would not be concerned about it. The Mac is constantly looking for other computers and devices available for "sharing". Attempting to access the "owner12345" or whatever it is that is in the Sidebar will likely result in a message to the effect "connection failed" since it is either no longer present or it has been configured to not accept connections from anyone.

If it is configured to accept connections, you would have to supply a name and password associated with that account (if its owner wants it so). If the supplied credentials are not correct, again you will get "connection failed" or words to that effect.

The reason it remains in the Finder sidebar is that network devices are by their nature present only intermittently. It stands to reason that if the device isn't present for a long time the icon will eventually disappear but I don't know how long that takes.

Tell Comcast to take a hike. Your Mac isn't the cause of whatever is bothering them. It could be that other PC though.

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